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Typical Floodplain Wildlife Habitat Ranges __ IRBd.WinQed8.~ Raccoon I IWhilB-TailedDeer I Wood Duck ~ Great Blue H~rOrl.J /"; i: Hi2!:!.J..Floodl Wa1er LevBI I I " . ~! 2t ~* o . i~ !~ wo,. " " ~i ~. Upland Floooplaln Upland Typical Floodplain Plant Communities Figure 9 - The sTructure ofphml communile.\" and inrercoflnening wildlife habitats are strongly influenced by spatial and temporal patlem.\" i/1 the jloodplain . Surface Water Quality. 1\1aintaining the ecological integrity of riparian areas can help to protect and even enhance the quality of surface water. This is true because of the critical role that riparian vegetation plays in these systems. First. trees and shrubs along streambeds can maintain the temperature of water by shading it. This is impor- tant as lower temperatures increase the capacity of the water to carry oxygen. which is critical for the support of aquatic life and decomposition of organic material. Second, floodplain vegetation filters sediment and nutrients that move toward rivers and streams from upland areas. This function is crucial because excessive nutrients in aquatic ecosystems can disturb the balance and growth of species and reduce the avail- ability of oxygen in the water. The results can include reduced diversity, unpleasant odors, and, ultimately, human health problems. The degree to which floodplain vegeta- tion performs its filtration function is dependent on several factors, including the slope and width of the tloodplaio and the nature of the vegetation. Excessive sediment in waterways can also blanket the gravel beds that arc home to invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans. These creatures are an important link in the food chain, and destruction of their habitat can have far-reaching effects on other species in the ecosystem. Excess sediment can also disturb the areas in which fish eggs and young fish develop. \"...ith harmful effects on populations that may be essential to recreational fishing areas. Groundwater Supply and Quality - Floodplains and wetlands can play an important role in contributing to sources of ...vater supply for human consumption. The slowing and dispersal of runoff and floodwater by floodplain vegetation allows additional time for this water to infiltrate and recharge groundwater aquifers. Floodplain soils and vegetation can also help to purify the water as it filters down to the aquifer. The ability of wetlands to contribute to groundv./ater recharge varies '.vith geographic location, season, soil type. water table location and precipitation, as well as wetland type. .u